Descriptive study of intramural activity offerings and entry rates in college/university intramural programs with a student population between 10,001-30,000

Abstract:

Recreation programs have become important resources on college campuses. They can provide important benefits to students and to the university. Students benefit from the opportunity to participate in leisure activities, which helps them develop a healthy lifestyle. The university benefits from the assistance in retaining students who might otherwise terminate their enrollment. This study presents information regarding intramural programs at colleges and universities in 1997. The following questions were researched: 1) What activities are currently being offered for intramural competition in universities that are institutional members of the NIRSA and list a student population between 10,001 and 30,000? 2) How many teams compete in these events? 3) What percent of the university community participates in intramural sports? The study surveyed those colleges and universities who were institutional members of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) in 1997, and had a listed student population between 10,001-30,000. A total of 150 institutions met the criteria and wereincluded in the study. These 150 institutions were grouped into three population categories (10,001-15,000; 15,001-20,000; 20,001-30,000). They were also grouped into six regional categories, as defined by the NIRSA. A survey return rate of 71% was achieved. Survey respondents were asked to list the activities offered in their intramural programs, and the number of teams entered in those activities. Respondents were also asked to identify the percent of the university community that participates in intramural sports. Over 50% of respondents indicated that 11-40% of their campus community participates in intramural sports. It is difficult to draw comparisons in any given activity. The number of teams entered varied significantly from one institution to another. Recreation professionals can use this study to identify new activities to add to their intramural programs. The information can assist in identifying intramural activities that might be of interest to students on their campus. Activities that draw a large number of teams at other institutions might be successful on many campuses. Activities that do not attract many entries may not be of interest to students, and are therefore less likely to be successful on other campuses.